I pay for 15Mbps, but only get 2Mbps

[MCICreator]

I have a fairly old modem on DOCSIS 2.0, the SB5101. I have cox essentials, so I should be getting 15Mbps down and 2Mbps up, and the ookla speed test says I do. But, when i attempted to download files from two different sites, I only got 2 Mbps. I did this all while directly connected to the modem.

I don't understand why the results conflict. Please help if you can.

 

[MCICreator]

I don't have an answer. That's why I asked

 

[mmaatt747]

Are you sure you're not getting 2 MBps instead of 2 Mbps per second. the capital 'B' stands for bytes and the lower-case 'b' stands for bits which are 1/8th of a byte.

 

[Sakata]

Just like mmaatt said, Double check whether it is MBps or Mbps, as I have personally made that mistake more then I care to mention. Also I would try other speed tests like " Testmy.net " as I have "heard" that the ookla may not be the most reliable source, but take that with a grain of salt, also it never hurts to use more then one source for testing.

Edit: Also if memory serves you can also be capped by the downloading source, so you may not be able to fully utilize your speed, as you are limited to the sources speed.

 

[MasterMace]

As mmaatt747 pointed out, you're paying for 15 megabits per second, which translates to 1.875 megabytes per second. Your files are in megabytes. The data transfer is in megabits. Yes it's stupid. Yes companies should be forced to change to megabytes. No it's not happening yet.

 

[indiferenc]

15 MBps is your max speed. when downloading files from a outside source (the internet) many factors need to be taken into consideration, such as the sources output speed/bandwidth, site traffic, your bandwidth, other devices using the same connections, even geographical location. i highly doubt you will ever see any file download at 15MBps, simply because your stated speed is simply a maximum that you are allowed

 

[MCICreator]

Are you sure you're not getting 2 MBps instead of 2 Mbps per second. the capital 'B' stands for bytes and the lower-case 'b' stands for bits which are 1/8th of a byte.

Thank you, Now that I look back at it, that is the problem. I don't understand why they would use bits over bytes, seeing as megabytes are more commonly used, but I guess any way to prey on unknowing consumers seems appealing to cable companies.

 

[mmaatt747]

Are you sure you're not getting 2 MBps instead of 2 Mbps per second. the capital 'B' stands for bytes and the lower-case 'b' stands for bits which are 1/8th of a byte.

Thank you, Now that I look back at it, that is the problem. I don't understand why they would use bits over bytes, seeing as megabytes are more commonly used, but I guess any way to prey on unknowing consumers seems appealing to cable companies.

Also, I have a 30 Mbps connection and get about 4 MBps downloading so your # looks legitimate.

 

[tkmair]

Thanks so much for clearing this issue up - I am sure many many people have it.
Big B vs little b - lol.
Between me and the 3 other people who are sharing my 30 Mb connection, I am glad I'm getting 1.2 MB. Cheers.